MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Orthopedic surgeons may be spending billions each year ordering unnecessary tests in order to protect themselves from potential liability lawsuits, a national survey found

More than ¾ of survey respondents said they would order fewer tests "if there was significant medical liability reform."

Researchers calculated that the "defensive medicine" efforts cost Medicare about $2.1 billion each year, MedPageToday reported.

Hanger prepares to launch new prosthetic for upper-extremity limb loss

Hanger Orthopedics (NYSE:HGR) subsidiary Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics plans to launch this spring an upper-extremity prosthetic aimed at restoring hand function, RehabPub.com reported.

Automatic insulin shut-off prevents hypoglycemia

An automatic on/off feature built into insulin pump systems can significantly reduce the severity and duration of hypoglycemia in people with Type I diabetes, according to researchers.

Small employers not likely to opt out of health reform rules

While small employers can opt out of regulations under the Affordable Care Act, few are likely to take the offer unless the rules are relaxed to apply to more businesses, according the Rand Corp.

PositiveID begins clinical trials in breath glucose detection

PositiveID (OTC:PSID) this week began clinical trials of its non-invasive breath glucose detection deice for people with diabetes, according to a press release.